Report: Hariri Won’t Let Jumblat Get 'Defeated' in Formation Process

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri reportedly insists that Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat “not be defeated” regarding the quota allocated for the PSP in the formation of the Cabinet process, al-Joumhouria daily said on Thursday.

Sources close to Hariri quoted him as telling al-Mustaqbal Movement MPs that he “will never accept that Jumblat be defeated” regarding the Druze share that Jumblatt insists on allocating.

“I am not alone in this, there are others who agree with me,” said Hariri in an indirect reference to Speaker Nabih Berri who also insists that Jumblat allocates the share he demands.

On Wednesday, media reports said that Hariri, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Jumblat have closed ranks in their endeavor to get the shares that they want in the Cabinet.

They also said that the three parties enjoy the support of Berri, “who is sympathizing with their reasonable, rational and normal demands.”

Hariri was tasked with forming a Cabinet on May 24, but his mission has since been delayed over wrangling between political parties over ministerial shares and distribution of portfolios.

The Free Patriotic Movement also rejects the demands of the Lebanese Forces regarding portfolios.

Jumblat insists that the three-seat Druze share be allocated for the PSP, amid the insistence of Druze MP Talal Arslan, of the Strong Lebanon bloc, that he too gets a share.